Many of those in line for an Order of Australia on Australia Day are getting it for their career. But here's an idea: why don't we award honours to encourage people to do more than their job, suggests Nicholas Gruen.

Some charities are resembling a dump site after being inundated with unwanted goods in the post-Christmas clean out, with Lifeline estimating half its stores around the country have stopped accepting donations.

The aim of any charity is to make themselves reundant but when the mission is complete, and there's a surplus of donor money, charities face the ethical dilemma of whether to morph their mission or shut up shop.

A new campaign asks Australians to thank veterans. I served for 25 years, but I'd rather you thanked those who work tirelessly in the public interest with a fraction of the recognition, writers Rodger Shanahan.